Limestone is much more than a decorative element; it is a natural rock with thousands of years of history, used from ancient civilizations to modern architectural and design projects. Its appearance, soft hues, and durability have made it an essential material for all types of construction.

We invite you to explore the incredible world of limestone- a rock that combines history, beauty and functionality. Discover its uses, properties and various types.

What is Limestone?

Limestone is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It forms over millions of years through geological processes involving the accumulation and compaction of marine remains such as shells, corals, and other biological organisms.

limestone is characterized by a colour palette ranging from off-white to soft beige tones, often with subtle golden or pinkish hues depending on the mineral content. Its texture can vary from fine to slightly grainy, depending on the grain size and the degree of compaction over time.

One of its main advantages is its ease of workability and adaptability.

Limestone extraction process

The extraction of limestone begins in quarries located in the mountains of Portugal and is carried out in several stages:

1. Exploration and site preparation: before extraction, a geological study is conducted to determine the exact location and feasibility of the quarry.
2. Extraction and cutting: limestone is extracted using heavy machinery. Large blocks are removed and then cut into smaller formats such as large slabs or custom-sized tiles.
3. Processing and finishing: The limestone is cut and processed to meet the specifications of each order. At this stage, the stone undergoes treatments to optimize its performance during installation.

Common finishes applied to limestone:

• Polished: Smooth Surface with moderate shine.
• Honed: Matte Surface with a soft touch.
• Bush-hammered: Rough, anti-slip surface.
• Brushed: Lightly textured surface with an aged appearance.
• Sandblasted: Uniform, coarse surface

Crema Moca quarry in Portugal

Discover the characteristics of Limestone

Limestone is one of the most highly regarded construction materials due to its aesthetic appeal, physical properties, adaptability, and the warmth it conveys. Here is a closer look at its main features:

• Versatility: thanks to its wide range of colours and physical properties, limestone is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications – bathrooms, stairs, facades, terraces, cladding, and more. Finishes like bush-hammered or flamed make it anti-slip, ideal for wet areas.
• Durability: while not as hard as granite, limestone is highly resistant. With proper treatment, it can remain in excellent condition for years.
• Porosity: its medium porosity allows for effective moisture regulation, making it ideal for indoor environments or areas exposed to thermal variations, such as facades subject to harsh weather conditions.
• Low maintenance: with the right treatment, limestone is very easy to care for. Just avoid acids or abrasive chemicals to preserve its natural appearance.

Limestone offers a complete solution. Limestone is a time-efficient material thanks to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and practicality.

One stone, endless possibilities: Common uses of Limestone

As previously mentioned, limestone adapts to a wide variety of applications. Here are some of the most common:

• Interiors: With its neutral tones, natural warmth, and favourable physical properties, limestone is an excellent choice for interior cladding. It does not feel cold to the touch and naturally helps regulate temperature, providing thermal comfort. It is widely used in private homes, hotels, commercial spaces, and public buildings.
• Wet areas: Limestone performs excellently in humid environments. Thanks to its ability to absorb and release moisture, it’s perfect for pools, gardens, pergolas, bathrooms, showers and similar spaces.
• Exteriors: one of its most common applications. Limestone is a natural stone that does not undergo drastic colour changes over time. As previously mentioned, it adapts well to weather fluctuations.

Types of Limestone

In nature, there are various types of limestone, classified according to their composition and level of porosity. At Fiorantina Stone, we focus on natural stones that blend aesthetics, durability, and functionality for indoor and outdoor use:

• Caliza Capri: a fine-grained, warm white limestone from Murcia, Spain. Known for its compact structure, Capri Limestone offers excellent resistance to weather changes. Its brightness and elegant tone make it an ideal choice for numerous applications, including cladding, facades, and flooring.

Physical characteristics:

• Apparent density: 2460 g/cm3
• Compression strength: 512 Mpa
• Bending strength: 122 MPa
• Water absorption: 2,9%
• Freezing cycles: 48
• Wear resistance: 22 mm
• Impact resistance: 24,4cm

• Crema Moca: also a compact limestone, originally from Portugal, recognized for its beige colour with subtle veining along the slabs. Its long-term durability and warm appearance make it an excellent choice for floors, wall cladding, and more.

Physical characteristics:

• Apparent density: 2430 g/cm3
• Compression strength: 91,2 Mpa
• Bending strength: 12,4 MPa
• Water absorption: 2,3%
• Freezing cycles: 48
• Wear resistance: 24 mm
• Impact resistance: 48cm

• Moleanos: A natural stone from Portugal known for its versatility. This limestone features medium porosity, and its key advantages—resistance to wear and moisture—make it particularly well-suited for outdoor applications such as gardens, terraces, and high-traffic areas.

Physical characteristics:

• Apparent density: 2400 kg/m3
• Compression strength: 143,6 Mpa
• Bending strength: 105kg/cm2
• Water absorption: 1,73%
• Freezing cycles: 48
• Impact resistance: 40cm

Each type of limestone has its own personality and characteristics. That´s why at Fiorantina Stone, we work with a carefully curated and proven selection of limestones in various varieties, finishes, and formats.

Get inspired by our natural stones

At Fiorantina Stone, we believe that every project deserves a material that reflects originality and authenticity. That’s why we carefully select each stone, considering not only its technical qualities but also its ability to adapt to the unique essence of every space.

Looking for limestone? Explore our online stock, where you will find a wide variety of limestone and natural stones.